PRSJ Code of Ethics

Membership in the Public Relations Society of Jamaica constitutes a declaration that the profession is fundamentally dedicated to better mutual understanding and cooperative relationships between the various groups, institutions and individuals within the nation of Jamaica, and, on behalf of this nation, with those groups, institutions, individuals and nations, which exist beyond its border.



These goals remain paramount, while serving the legitimate interests of clients and employers.


Code

A member, in the conduct of his/her professional activities, shall respect the public interest and the dignity of the individual. It is his/her personal responsibility at all times to deal fairly and honestly with his client or employer, past or present, with his/her fellow members and with the public.


A member has the affirmative duty to adhere to generally accepted standards of accuracy, truth and good taste.

A member shall not represent conflicting or competing interests without the express consent of the parties concerned after full disclosure of the facts.


A member shall not disclose (except upon the order of the court of competent jurisdiction) or make use of information given or obtained in confidence from his/her employer or client, past or present, for personal gain or otherwise, without express consent.

A member shall not engage in any practice, which tends to corrupt the integrity or channels of public communication.

A member shall not intentionally disseminate false or misleading information and is obligated to use ordinary care to avoid dissemination of false or misleading information.

A member shall not create, use or act for any organisation apparently serving an announced cause but in fact promoting an undisclosed interest of the member, his/her clients or employer. It is his/her duty to ensure that the actual interest of any such organisation with which he/she may be concerned is adequately declared.

A member shall not knowingly injure the professional reputation or practice of another member, but if such a member has reason to believe that another member has been engaged in practices, which may be in breach of this Code, it shall be his/her duty to inform the Society.

A member, in the course of his/her professional services to his/her employer or client, shall not accept a payment either in cash or kind for those services from any other source without the express consent of his employer or client.

A member should not negotiate or agree terms, with a prospective employer or client on the basis of payment contingent upon specific future result.

A member shall not negotiate or agree terms with a prospective employer or client on the basis of payment contingent upon specific future result.

A member shall not encroach upon the professional employment of another member. Where there are two engagements, either or both must ensure that there is no conflict between them.

A member shall, as soon as possible, sever his/her relations with any organisation when he/she knows that his/her continued employment would require him/her to conduct him/herself contrary to the principles of this Code.

A member called as a witness in a proceeding for the enforcement of the Code shall be bound to appear unless for sufficient reason, he/she shall be excused by the panel hearing the same.

A member shall cooperate with fellow members in upholding and enforcing this Code.


Standards

This Code of Professional Standards for the Practice of Public Relations is adopted by the Public Relations Society of Jamaica to promote and maintain high standards of public service and conduct among its members in order that membership in the Society may be deemed a badge or ethical conduct: that Public Relations justly may be regarded as a profession: that the public may have increasing confidence in its integrity: and that the practice of Public Relations may best serve the public interest.

What the PRSJ Says About Ethics

A profession can exists when its practitioners agree that their activities are based on standards. The PRSJ Founders developed a Code of Ethics that is a sure guide on how to avoid conflicts of interest, maintain confidentiality, and basically protect the individual's good reputation. All members and potential members are encouraged to refer to the Code below.

The constitition outlines how the Society addresses matters of conduct and how disciplinary matters are handled.

Code of Ethics

First PRSJ Renewal

The PRSJ has its first membership renewal.

Past President Dayner Azzellino (nee Clarke at right in photo) paid her 2010 dues last week during the AGM Planning Meeting that was held at the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service. The Member Gwyneth Davidson accepted the payment on behalf of the Trustees and issued her an invoice noting the payment.

The invoice books were previously handed over by Past Treasurer Kathleen Johnson, so membership renewals are recorded on PRSJ stationary.

More PRSJ members will be able to renew their membership at the General Meeting at MIND on Wednesday, February 24 that will be held from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 30 from 5:30 - 7:30p.m. at a venue to be announced. See lst of persons accepted as PRSJ Members.

Photo at right. From left: Leo mc Ewan, Tyrell Morgan, Bev Josephs. More photos of meeting here.

PRSJ Membership Fees

The membership fees were set at the 2003 AGM. They are outlined below:


Full Member…………………………………………....$1,000.00

Associate Member………………………………………$ 750.00

Visiting Member…………………………………………$ 750.00

Student Member………………………………………..$ 500.00

Email Addresses Removed From PRSJ Mailing List

Several email addresses have not been accepting email from the PRSJ so have been removed from the mailing list. If the addresses need to be corrected or changed, please write to prsj2009@gmail.com and they will be added. Abbreviations of email addresses are below.

Abbreviated Email Addresses
Gordon.brown@jamaicapost
Calwin@cw
amh@cw
catwin@cw
chay@cwjam
ctipling@infochan
dclaprone@colis
debhick@cw
karen.findlay@cw
kclacken@nwc.com
klbrooks@
kmorris@odpem
lisa.golding@nwc
marline@cw
milkann@yahoo.com
ngollab@slb
ngrant@mct
paula@rjrgroup.com
princeromans@hot
pro@mtw
thall@mct
tinne41@hotmail.com (deceased)
trishanna.francis@jsif
unitedchurch@colis
walkers@moh
mabowne - sandals
awilliams - sandals
mwilliamson - sandals
lisa - sandals
agfisher - sandals
shawnaguthrie@

Notice of Annual General Meeting

P.O. Box 8240

February 25, 2010

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Public Relations Society of Jamaica will be held on Tuesday, March 30 in the Training Room at Jamaica Trade and Invest, 18 Trafalgar Road, Kingston 10.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. The Meeting will end at 8:00p.m.

The membership fees are outlined below:
Full Member…………………………………………… $1,000.00

Associate Member………………………………………$ 750.00

Visiting Member…………………………………………$ 750.00

Student Member………………………………………...$ 500.00

During this meeting, there will be an election to choose seven (7) Officers of the Society. Only paid-up Full, Associate and Overseas members are eligible to vote or can be elected to the Executive Committee.

Payments will be accepted in cash or by cheque. Cheques should be endorsed to The Public Relations Society of Jamaica.

Please direct queries to The Moderator (prsj2009@gmail.com).

Signed,
The Moderator

Minutes - 2004 AGM

MINUTES OF PRSJ AGM HELD ON FEBRUARY 23, 2004
HILTON KINGSTON HOTEL

Present were:
Gerry McDaniel
Winsome Callum
Judith Wilson
Alison Binger
Beverley Josephs
Lavern Reid
Chlristine Bell.
Leo McEwan
Kathleen Johnson
Karelle McCormack
Marjorie Scott Anderson
Mark Thomas
Marguerite Duncan Barclay
Mario Romans
Cecelia Bell
Delroy Whyte-Hall

Gerry McDaniel called meeting to order at 6:12 p.m.
Beverley Josephs prayed.
Apologies for absence was tendered for:
Camille Taylor
Gwyneth Harold
Pat Gillings
Eleane Livingston
Keith Brown
Carole James
Misha Lobban

Kathleen reported that there were 36 paid up members and that there was a quorum to hold the AGM.

Corrections were made to the Minutes and Leo moved the adoption of Minutes. It was seconded by Winsome.

Mark Thomas moved that the AGM be publicized in an advertisement at least 21 days before to satisfy the legal requirement.

Alison presented her President's Report. Gerry congratulated her for exemplary leadership and for giving service beyond self.

Nominations were made and the new Executive are as follows:

Mark Thomas - President
Delroy Whyte-Hall - First Vice President
Marjorie Scott Anderson - Vice President Special Events
Lavern Reid - Vice President, Membership and Recruitment
Gerry McDaniel - Vice President, Finance
Mario Romans - General Secretary
Leo McEwan - Assistant Secretary

Outgoing President Alison, did not seek re-election. Also demitting office was Treasurer and Lifetime Member, Kathleen Johnson.

In his welcome speech, President Mark said he had a number of plans for the Society including a series of development workshops for people who lack the ability to communicate.

Meeting was adjourned by Alison and seconded by Judith.